“Our Government is working hard to support this exciting fledgling agricultural industry. These amendments will reduce risk for hemp growers and open up new opportunities in hemp seed as a food and drink product.” Said Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan

The amendments increase the permitted tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in industrial hemp to one per cent, up from the previous level of 0.35 per cent.

Minister Alannah MacTiernan also commented “The cross-party support for these amendments is a sign of the wide recognition for the job-creating potential of this industry for regional WA”

This brings Western Australia into line with other States and Territories, following changes to the Food Standards and Australia and New Zealand Code in November 2017 to allow the sale of food products derived from hemp seed with a THC content of up to one per cent.